VANITY: URGENT REQUEST....RESEARCH HELP NEEDED

VANITY | 7/25/03 | ExSoldier

[ExSoldier]

This is an urgent request...a VANITY and I don't usually DO those. I need to find out as much solid information as I can on the subject of Korean War MIA's...and a specific group known as "The Ashley Five"

A relative of my wife was a member of the Ashley five, a B29 that was shot down near Pyongyang on Jan. 29th 1953 by Mig fire. All crew safely parachuted to the ground and were picked up by North Korean soldiers. They were among the 8000 odd POW's NOT returned to US or UN control at the end of the war, under Operations Big and Little SWITCH. There is ample evidence that this group was later sent into Russia because all of them (and the other 8000) were of scientific backgrounds or held those types of degrees. This sordid secret was suppressed by our government and many sitting Presidents of both parties...but most notably was the Eisenhower administration who knew and elected not to restart the war...effectively damning them to a fate worse than death.

There are several books on the topic which mention "the Five" as well as the Aug 17th issue of the Washington Times, from 1997. Books include "SOLDIERS OF MISFORTUNE" by Mark Sauter and James Saunders and "THE MEN WE LEFT BEHIND" by Mark Sauter. The women of their men who were the Ashley Five went to China in the 1950's seeking the release of their men. Some addressed the United Nations and even a joint session of Congress and various select committees. This was a time when women didn't DO such things. When the Pueblo was taken those familes contacted the relatives of "The FIVE" for help.

There was a UN Commando rescue mission to get them out. Operation: GREEN DRAGON was aborted due to heavy groundfire.

[ExSoldier]

Why am I doing this? Many of you know, I'm a published author. My agent says there is extreme interest in such a story. We (my wife and I) are right now, writing the screenplay of this important and TRUE story. It needs to be told. I'm having problems digging up some of the info on one of the relatives that addressed Congress. It would have been between 1958 and 1960 on the issue of Korean War MIA's and POW's. One of the names I'm hunting on any congressional document is Anna Louise Shaddick...mother to 1LT John Phillip Shaddick, the observer on his first ever UN mission aboard that ill fated B-29.

I have hit all of the web sites for the Korean War and for POW's/MIA's...and had limited success. I really need official documents from Mrs Shaddick's addresses to Congress....and I think there should be a record somewhere of them...but I can't find it. I know that FREEPERS are world class researchers. Be happy to give you a film credit for the research...lol

In an ironic twist of fate for this already damaged family, just 16 days after he was shot down, the brother of 1LT Shaddick, was lost in a civilan airline crash into Mobile Bay aboard a national airlines flight on Valentines Day 1953. Their grandmother died from the depression about 6 months later. She just willed herself to die.

This is a true story and the worst part of it is that the family has received regular reports on 1LT Shaddick that he was alive up through the 1980's. Rumors from inside China..even 1st person sightings. These scientists were forced to work on certain communist programs....that even now threaten the peace and security of the world. Remember, anybody can be "broken." Their own government had effectively abandoned them and continues to deny deny deny to this day. Help me tell their story! Reply on thread or via freepmail.

[Joe Brower]

As you all know, I don't typically use the RKBA list in this fashion, but since lots of you folks are ex-military and ExSoldier is one of us, I thought I'd make an exception this one time. I beg your indulgence. If anyone can lend ExSoldier a hand, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Space Wrangler]

Here's something.

Be careful citing that website though. It's one of those organizations that think Hitler had the right idea.

[harpseal]

BTT. It is the only help I can give.

[facedown]

Here's one report: Air Force report suggests many POWs kept by China, North Korea

"The strongest statement in the report pertains to the case of the five B-29 crew members: 1st Lt. Gilbert L. Ashley Jr., Airman 2nd Class Hidemaro Ishida, 1st Lt. Arthur R. Olsen, 2nd Lt. John P. Shaddick and 1st Lt. Harold P. Turner."

[Squantos]

I will see what I can resource up for ya'll.........Stay Safe !

[wjcsux]

Unfortunately, I can't be of any help on this subject. I wish you Gods blessing on this project as this story, as well as others of America's "Forgotten War" need to be told.

[Petruchio]

Thanks for the ping Joe.

ExSoldier, the only thing I found using Google and dogpile was

http://www.koreanwar.org/com/user_drill_userid_AF/detail.cfm?users_user_id=20982

Not much help I guess, sorry.

[Eaker]

I'll see if I or my wife can find anything.

[Travis McGee]

KOREAN POW/MIA PING.

[Blood of Tyrants]

If Mrs. Shaddick addressed Congress, it would be in the official Congressional Record, wouldn't it? And if it is in the Congressional record, it is open for public viewing, right?

Have you contacted your congresscritter about having one of his/her many flunkies (paid with your tax dollars) do a bit of research?

If they cannot or will not do so, it may be time for a field trip to Washington to where ever they keep such things.

[ExSoldier]

Thank you, Joe....thank you from myself and my family.

[ExSoldier]

And thank you all...very VERY MUCH...it's late, I've been up ALL night, I should've included all of you in my thanks to Joe.

[Joe Brower]

No problem, Cap'n. Well done, all!

[ExSoldier]

"Have you contacted your congresscritter about having one of his/her many flunkies (paid with your tax dollars) do a bit of research?"

YES! Tomorrow I have an IDPA match....the secretary of our IDPA Gun Club is the District Director for MY Congresscritter. And she is one of my oldest friends...(the director not the critter) and that is order of business #1...I sent her an e-mail "Heads UP" to get her prepped at the same time I posted this....The problem I have run into is that the Congressional Record online only goes back to 1994. I have also sent a request for documents to the University of Miami, which is also a Federal Document Depository. And, as such, should have the required documents.

[Flyer]

I think you already know far more on this than what I could dig up, but since you asked about my Golden retriever, this BUMP is for you - and your Newfoundland.

[in the Arena]

These guys might be able to help you.

National Alliance Of Families
P.O. Box 40327
Bellevue, Wa. 98015

They have a copy of an AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT from 1955 that references Ashley.

[in the Arena]

Bumping the FReeper Foxhole...I'm not sure who organizes the Foxhole but I thought you could weigh in on this.

[SAMWolf]

Not too much out there.


Bits 'N' Pieces
August 16, 1997


Lt. Gilbert L. Ashley Jr. ABANDONED
Lt. John P. Shaddick ABANDONED
Lt. Arthur R. Olsen, ABANDONED
Lt. Harold P. Turner ABANDONED
Capt. Harold M. Beardall, ABANDONED
Maj. Kassel M. Keene, ABANDONED
Airman Hidemaro Ishida, ABANDONED

KOREA

L/Cpl. Gregory J. Harris ----- ABANDONED

VIETNAM

CHARLES DEAN

---

ABANDONED

NEIL SHARMAN

---

ABANDONED

LAOS

Abandoned - and that is the way they will stay, thanks to the efforts of General James Wold and the management of DPMO. On Friday August 15th, 1997, in a final act of betrayal before his September retirement, General Wold "reorganized" the Joint Commission Support Directorate. The Joint Commission Support Directorate established in 1994 supported the efforts of the U.S./ Russian Joint Commission. Staffed by qualified experts, this office, in spite of roadblocks, made considerable progress on the POW/MIA issue as it relates to Russia, Korea and China.

When the U.S./RUSSIAN Joint Commission was first established it operated independently. The U.S. Army was given the responsibility to provide research and analytical support to the commission. This group was know as Task Force Russia. Task Force Russia remained in force until July 1993 when it was absorbed by the DPMO. At that point it became part of the "Trowbridge Empire." In spite of the move, the support group continued to make progress in locating information on our POW/MIAs.

The Chairmen of the Korea and Vietnam working groups, Congressman Sam Johnson and Senator Bob Smith are considering offering legislation in September that would remove the Joint Commission Support Directorate from DPMO and restore its independence. This would take place when congress returns from their summer vacation.

Since DPMO was aware of this, we can only conclude General Wolds' actions were an intentional end run, and a direct slap in the face to both Congressman Johnson and Senator Smith, as well as Ambassador Malcolm Toon the Commission Chairman. The reorganization announced yesterday goes into effect Monday August 18th. Senator Smith and Congressman Johnson were not consulted prior to the reorganization.

General Wolds' action clearly establishes the power base for his successor and those charged with obstructing any progress on the POW/MIA issue. He has successfully removed or neutralized those investigators within the Support Directorate committed to an honest evaluation of each case, based solely on the evidence. At the same time, General Wold has provided the cover for his successor who can say "it's not my doing." We know better. The decimation of the Joint Commission Support Directorate was carefully planned and executed while congress was in recess.

Those now in charge have no background or qualifications in dealing with the Russians. Their only claim to fame is their loyalty to people who are committed to blocking the work of the Joint Commission.

With the reorganization of the Joint Commissions' support group, DPMO has taken a giant leap backwards in efforts to account for servicemen missing from the Korean - cold War and vietnam, who we believe were taken to the former Soviet Union and China.



Outrage - The National Alliance of Families is outraged over the actions of General Wold. The DPMO message is loud and clear. They have no interest in bringing the live POWs home. They have no interest in an honest and truthful accounting of our POW/MIAs. There is an old saying that "actions speak louder then words." General Wold and DPMO are shouting and we get the message.

Well folks... It's time to shout back. All we have is our typewriters, phones, faxes, e-mails and postage stamps and the knowledge that our POWs are waiting and we are their best hope.

Voice your outrage at the undercutting of the U.S./Russian Joint Commission and the further abandonment of our Korean, Cold War and Vietnam POW/MIAs.

By this action the only effective and productive group within DPMO has been neutralized. We can not allow this to happen. Send letters to Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, Dept of Defense, The Pentagon, Washingotn D.C. 20301 - Call 703-695-5261 OR Fax 703-697-9080. Send copies of your letters to Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Walter Slocombe at The Pentagon, Washingotn D.C. 20301 or Call 703 697 7200.

Also send copies of your letter to your Congressmen and Senators. Zip code for Congress is 20515. The Senate zip code is 20510.

Ask that the reorganization of the Joint Commission Support Directorate be tabled until an objective evaluation of that reorganization can be made by the Chairmen of the U.S. / Russian Joint Commission Working Groups, incorporating input from the families of our POW/MIAS and Congress.

No decision involving the Joint Commission Support Directorate should be made without the express approval of the Chairmen of the Commissions Working Groups.

Perhaps the following information will provide some insight as to why those who do their jobs properly must be eliminated. According to a recently declassified report, the servicemen listed at the beginning of this Bits 'N' Pieces were thought to be alive in in enemy hands at the conclusion of the Korean War. The following is excerpted from an Associated Press Article, dated August 5th, 1997, by Robert Burns:

"WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Air Force had indications that dozens of missing American airmen were alive in Chinese or North Korean prisons two years after the Korean War, according to a newly declassified report. The report provides new details about how many men were left behind -- even after the exchange of prisoners -- and who these Americans were. It also describes a dramatic failed attempt to rescue five members of a B-29 bomber crew shot down six months before the war ended in July 1953...."

"The report, labeled "secret," said the five "were known to be alive in communist hands as of the close of the Korean conflict." The five never returned. Their names -- and most of the others mentioned in the newly released Air Force intelligence report -- are on a Defense Department list of 389 men from all services who are unaccounted for from the war and about whom the U.S. government believes China or North Korea had information. Both China and North Korea maintain they withheld no American POWs from the war...."

"China took control of the prisoner-of-war camps in North Korea in 1951, and in some cases transferred U.S. POWs to China for interrogations. Compelling but unsubstantiated reports have emerged in recent months suggesting a small number of U.S. servicemen from the war may still be in North Korea. For the first time since the end of the war, North Korea has begun addressing the issue...."

"The declassified Air Force report, dated Oct. 19, 1955, and prepared by the Escape and Evasion Section of the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, offers no proof that any of the 137 men it mentions were still alive then; most of the cases were based on sketchy information from repatriated POWs, enemy propaganda broadcasts and intelligence sources in North Korea...."

"The strongest statement in the report pertains to the case of the five B-29 crew members: 1st Lt. Gilbert L. Ashley Jr., Airman 2nd Class Hidemaro Ishida, 1st Lt. Arthur R. Olsen, 2nd Lt. John P. Shaddick and 1st Lt. Harold P. Turner. Their B-29 was shot down about 10 miles south of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, on Jan. 29, 1953...."

"Although the site was behind enemy lines, a rescue attempt was made on May 24. It failed. The pilot of the rescue plane made radio contact with Ashley on the ground as they prepared to pinpoint the airmen's location and arrange a "snatch" pickup in which a harness and cord dropped to the men would be hooked by a cable extended from the rescue aircraft, allowing the men to be reeled in to safety. "The pilot reported that the voice was definitely that of the American who had previously been identified as Lieutenant Ashley," the report said. It said the rescue plane was damaged by machine gun fire, forcing them to abort the mission."

"Ashley and four crew members (Turner, Olsen, Shaddick and Ishida) were known to be alive in communist hands as of the close of the Korean conflict, July '53," the report said. It does not say how the Air Force knew this.

In his book "Soldiers of Misfortune," journalist Mark Sauter wrote that U.S. intelligence officials received a message, apparently from Ashley's North Korean captors, that was interpreted as confirmation the five were alive as of Aug. 4, 1953....

"The Air Force report also describes the case of Capt. Harold M. Beardall, who went down in North Korea aboard a B-26 bomber on May 21, 1951. It mentions several sightings of Beardall by other American POWs months after the shootdown. Beardall was said to have been "held separately from other Air Force" POWs in North Korea. His name was on Chinese hospital records of officers who were interrogated, it said. "Names of this type we feel are alive," the report says.

An unidentified source is quoted in the report as saying Beardall was tried as a war criminal, apparently by the Chinese. Such "trials" were held for many U.S. officers, and their "convictions" used as grounds for refusing to repatriate them.

Maj. Kassel M. Keene, for example, who went missing on Nov. 19, 1951, was said to have been sentenced in July 1953 for assaulting a fellow prisoner." According to the sentence, he was not to be effected (sic) by repatriation," the report said. Some men listed in the Air Force intelligence report were described as having been seen by other American POWs at Kaesong, North Korea, where U.N. prisoners were taken in preparation to be repatriated shortly after the end of the war.

The report cited in the AP article is almost 42 years old. Yet, it was just declassified in June. How much longer do the families of our Prisoners and missing have to wait for the truth? Men were abandoned at the end of World War II. men were abandoned at the end of the Korean - Cold War. Men were abandoned at the end of the war in Southeast Asia. It's long past time for the truth.

---

Captured U.S. Airmen Kept By China, North Korea
[August 6, 1997]

Washington (Reuter) - U.S. officials concluded at lease five and possibly dozens of missing airmen were alive in Chinese or North Korean hands when the Korean War ended in July 1953, according to a newly declassified Air Force Report.

The report, dated Oct. 19, 1955, described a bold but failed attempt to rescue the five, members of a B-29 bomb crew shot down near Pyongyang on January 29, 1953.

Unanswered questions about the fate of the some 8,100 Americans still listed as unaccounted for from the war is one of the many issues that the United States is pursuing with North Korea.

Recently, the Defense Department has begun pressing China for information on specific U.S. prisoners possibly sent there from North Korean camps, but never heard of again, Pentagon officials said.

Both China and North Korea, allies during the war against U.S.-led United Nations forces, have said they withheld no U.S. prisoners from the fighting.

The previously secret intelligence report, obtained by Reuters Wednesday, listed the cases of 137 Air Force personnel "who may possibly be alive, or may have been alive in Communist captivity at one time" during the war.

It said the five, who did not return when prisoners were exchanged nor have been otherwise accounted for, "were known to be alive in Communist hands at the close of the Korean conflict".

Names of the five were already part of a Pentagon compilation of 389 missing servicemen from the war about whose fates officials say , China or North Korea should have information.

Chinese forces managed North Korean prisoner-of-war camps during much of the war and in some cases sent U.S. POWs to China for interrogation.

In what appeared to be a gesture of good will, North Korean officials Monday handed over remains said to belong to four Americans killed in a 1950 clash with Chinese forces near Unsan, due north of Pyongyang and about 20 miles south of China's border.

The declassified report disclosed a May 24, 1953 effort to snatch back the five-man B-29 crew.

First Lieutenants Gilbert Ashley, Arthur Olsen and Harold Turner, Second Lt. John Shaddick and Airman Second Class Hidemaro Ishida.

The rescue operation codenamed "Green Dragon", followed the sighting by three other B-29 crews of "what appeared to be a signal made up of flashing lights," said the report prepared by the Escape and Evasion Section of the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron.

It said the pilot of the rescue craft somehow made radio contact with Ashley on the ground and that Ashley helped them zero in on his location.

"The pilot reported that the voice was definitely that of the American who had previously been identified as Lt. Ashley," the report added.

It said on approaching the pick-up site, the aircraft was damaged by enemy fire from at least two directions, forcing the mission to be aborted.

"Rescue officials soon determined the (U.S.) Aviators were actually under the control of Communist troops, who were using them to get supplies and equipment," co-authors James Sanders, Mark Sauter and Cort Kirkwood wrote in their 1992 book "Soldiers of Misfortune".

Ashley, of Rock Hall, Maryland, was 30 at the time of his shoot down.

The Air Force had no comment on the declassified report, which was made available at the National Archives.

Delores Alfond of the National Alliance of Families for the Return of America's Missing Servicemen, said the report illustrated her view that the Pentagon was wrongly focusing on digging up bones rather than pressing for the survivors.

"It's not our policy to be looking for living Americans," she said in a telephone interview from her home in Bellevue, Washington.

"The American policy is to be looking for remains. That's our whole problem."





Editors note: in the future we will limit our use of the phrase "left behind." that phrase implies accidentally left or overlooked. As more and more intelligence surfaces, the clear fact is our servicemen were abandoned. That abandonment was a conscious decision made for reasons incomprehensible to us. The abandonment continues today as demonstrated by the actions of DPMO.

[snippy_about_it]

John Philip Shaddick


http://www.koreanwar.org/com/remembrance_detail/search_rem.cfm?KCCFADD__CASUALTY_ID=3373


Remembering 1LT JOHN PHILLIP SHADDICK III
United States Air Force - 28 BOMB SQDN 19 BOMB GROUP
Submission 3373 By Richard Carlson

FRIEND: I did not not know Lt. Shaddick; however I did know a member of his crew, a Hidemaro Ishida who was a gunner on his airplane when they were shot down.In researching information, I found a number of documents regarding the incident, some of which were declassified. Lt. Shaddick and four other crew members later known as the "Ashley Five", after the Aircraft Commander, were shot down by enemy fighters near Pyongnang on January 29, 1953. Four of the crew were POWs, and the "Ashley Five" succesfully bailed out and were able to escape capture and were liberated by partisans who planed to return them to South Korea.Their story remains a gripping tale. There were rescue attempt made which failed, but they were later reported still alive after the truce was signed, but were never listed as POWs and were never found I do have copies of this material and would provide it to family members along with contact information on the two surviving POWs.

Submission Number 3373 2000-01-01 19:24:54

EMAIL: RICHR177@AOL.COM
FIRSTNAME: Richard
LAST NAME: Carlson

STREET: 483 Fletcher DR
CITY: Smyrna
STATE: DE

ZIP: 19977
COUNTRY: USA
TELEPHONE: (302) 659-1162
FAX:
YOUR UNIT: 98th Bomb Wing 344th Bomb Sqdn.



Personal Information

Hostile, Died While Missing (MIA) - Air Force

Name: 1LT JOHN PHILLIP SHADDICK III
Casualty Key: 27085
MOS: -----
IDNO: AO221920
Branch: --

Rank: 1LT
Grade: O2
Component: RA
Birth Year: 1927
Birth Date: 1927-10-17 00:00:00
Home: CORAL GABLES FL

Type Of Casualty: Hostile, Died While Missing (MIA)
Casualty Date: 1954-01-30 00:00:00
Province: --

Location of Loss: Near Pyongyang, North Korea
Name Correction:
Home Correction:
Add Birthdate: 1927-10-17 00:00:00
Burial Location: MIA

Ethnic On Record: Caucasian
Ethnic Background:

Medal Of Honor:
Decorations:


Aircraft and Navy Units

Ship:
Airfield: Kadena AFB, Okinawa
Group: 19th Bomb Group
Wing:
Squadron: 28th Bomb Squadron
Aircraft Type: B-29

Comments: The B-29 crew had just completed a bomb run on the Kompo-Dong supply area when they were attacked by Communist fighters and shot down.

Ground Units

Unit: 28 BOMB SQDN 19 BOMB GROUP
Squad:
Platoon:
Company:
Battalion:
Battery:
Regiment or RCT:

Unit Comments:

POW Information

POW:
Tiger:
Johnson's List:
POW Camp:

POW Information:

Additional Information

Map:
Photo:

Editor Comments: 28th Bomb Squadron